Busting the Myths About Organ Donation

A common myth about organ donation is there are already enough organs for those who need them. That’s not true. As of early 2026, there were more than 100,000 people on the National Transplant Wait list. And according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, 13 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. 

Typically, people on the transplant wait list are in late stages of kidney, liver and pancreas disease and the transplant offers them a lifesaving option. Each organ donor can save eight people’s lives and enhance those of 75 more. 

Observed every April, National Donate Life Month is dedicated to awareness about all types of donations, including organs, eyes and tissues. It’s a time to recognize those who have given and received these gifts, are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant and those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.

This month is also an opportunity for organizations like Jefferson Health and Donate Life America to dispel myths that can prevent people from stepping up. Here are more myths and the facts that set them straight.

MYTH: Someone else chooses which organs will be donated and where the surgery will take place. 
FACT: The family chooses which organs are taken and which are not, and the surgery is performed through the nationally recognized Jefferson Health Transplant Institute. Its world-renowned team of transplant surgeons, specialists and support staff delivers unmatched care and support before, during and after organ transplantation. 

MYTH: Doctors and EMTs won’t work as hard to save your life if you’re a registered organ donor. 
FACT: Clinicians and emergency medical services providers will do everything they can to save your life, otherwise open themselves up to career-ending legal action. Plus, there is no incentive for them to violate their oath “to do no harm.” 

MYTH: People who donate organs or tissues can’t have an open-casket funeral.
FACT: Like all deceased people, donors’ bodies are treated with care and respect. Typically, they’re dressed in clothes the family selects. No one would be able to see that they donated organs or tissues.

MYTH: You must be in perfect health to donate your organs. 
FACT: Anyone can register to become a donor, not just those who are young or in perfect health. Even if you have a chronic disease, you may still be able to donate unaffected organs. 

MYTH: Organ donation goes against religious beliefs.  
FACT: On the contrary, the largest religious sects in the U.S. – including Catholic, Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran and more – endorse donation as an act of charity.

MYTH: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.
FACT: While your family would pay for medical care given before your loved one’s organs are donated, they do not pay for donation. The person who gets the organs for transplant pays for removing the organs through health insurance programs. 

Sharing the donor message is one step toward helping save more lives as well as honor donors’  generosity. There are opportunities to participate in local events, share social media messages, encourage others to register as donors and consider donating yourself.

People involved in organ donation say indicating you want to be an organ donor on your driver’s license is a simple way to make your contribution and makes it much easier for the donor’s family. “The family then doesn’t have to make that kind of decision in the midst of their grief and trauma,” one says.

You can also consider becoming a live donor. Use the resources below to find the information that best suits your preference.  

Transplant Institute - Living Donor Program | Jefferson Health

If you live in Pennsylvania, register below:

Become An Organ Donor | Donate Life Pennsylvania

For a national resource, go to:

Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation | organdonor.gov